Abstract

Research goal of study is to examine which electroneurographic (ENG) parameters of median and ulnar nerves are changed with changes of insulinemic curve (IC). Patients and methods: Study was done during January 2007–March 2008. Examined group consisted of 50 patients (17 or 34% males) with average age of 56,9±9,2 (43-79) years and with changed shape of IC. The most frequent finding was „slow and incomplete descendant part of IC“ observed in 30 (60%) patients. Control group consisted 50 healthy volunteers (17 males) with average age of 52,2±7,6 (38-73) years. In this group IC was not determined. Motor conduction velocities (MCV) in forearm with terminal motor latency (TML), and areas of compound muscle action potentials (CMAP), and sensory conduction velocities (SCV) with amplitudes of sensory nerve action potentials (SNAP) in palm of median and ulnar nerves on both sides were measured with bipolar electrodes for superficial stimulation and registration. Electroneurographic criteria were determined in control group with subtraction or adding of two standard deviations on average values of electroneurographic parameters. Results: Slowing of motor conduction velocities of left ulnar nerve was present in 14 (28%) patients, and right ulnar nerve in 13 (26%) patients. Left median nerve was affected in 10 (20%), and right in 5 (19%) patients. TML was increased in 9 left median, 5 right median, 3 left ulnar, and 4 right ulnar nerves in examined group, and area of CMAP was decreased in one left and one right ulnar nerve. Slowing of sensory conduction velocities of left median nerve was present in 15 (30%) patients (in one additional SNAP was not received), and right median nerves in 12 (24%) patients (in 4 additional SNAP was not received). Left and right ulnar nerve was affected in 13 (26%) patients (with one additional not received SNAP in both sides). Decreased amplitude of SNAP was observed in one left median, 4 right median, 6 left ulnar and 5 right ulnar nerve in examined group. Conclusion: Electroneurographic (ENG) parameters of median and ulnar nerves might be changed with changes of IC. We recommend analysis of IC like important diagnostic tool in patients with neuropathic changes.

Key words: ulnar nerves, electroneurographic (ENG) parameters.